'Canes QB Morris injures ankle during practice

Quarterback competition now clearly leaning toward Harris

December 28, 2010|By Steve Gorten, Sun Sentinel

El Paso, Texas — Hurricanes quarterback Stephen Morris, who has been battling for the starting job in Friday's Sun Bowl against Notre Dame, injured his left ankle early during Tuesday morning's practice.

He was helped off the field by trainers to avoid putting weight on it. Morris was seen after practice walking with a medical boot on his left foot.

Interim coach Jeff Stoutland said he didn't see the injury happen, but believed it was the result of a teammate slipping on the artificial turf field at Burges High School and falling into Morris.

"It kind of took a little wind out of practice," he said. "But then we came back strong."

Morris' injury makes it more likely Jacory Harris will start Friday, though Stoutland said he needed to assess the injury before making a decision.

Less than two hours before practice, he said he would possibly wait until Thursday to announce a starter because "it's real close between the two."

Harris said of Morris' injury, "He's my friend, so I feel bad for him .. but he's a tough dude and he'll fight through it."

Johnson out

While Morris' status is uncertain, receiver Aldarius Johnson definitely won't play because of a knee injury. Stoutland said it was sustained during bowl practices in Coral Gables.

"He was making a lot of plays," Stoutland said. "It's unfortunate."

Still waiting

Stoutland said running back Mike James was stranded in New Jersey because of snow and would join the team in El Paso sometime Tuesday, or Wednesday at the latest.

James was scheduled to arrive Monday, exactly one week after his mother died in a car accident and he returned home to Haines City.